COVID-19 UPDATES
As of today, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers for the last seven and last fourteen days:
- 1,278 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 1,203 confirmed cases and 75 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 173,058). These numbers include 1,051 new cases since last Wednesday, November 24th.
- 24 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,084 to date). That number includes 5 new deaths since last Wednesday, November 24th.
- 60 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,798 to date). That number includes 47 new hospitalizations since last Wednesday, November 24th.
To see the progression of the virus in King County since our last newsletter, you can view screenshots of the Daily Dashboard here. Note the correct date appears when you click on the document (one day earlier than is listed). The data are not updated over the weekends.
Vaccination rates in King County:
Among eligible King County residents 12 years and older, as of today, 90.5% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 84.6% have received both doses. Among residents 5 years and older, as of today, 85.4% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 77.4% have received both doses.
- View updated County vaccination data here.
- View COVID outcomes according to vaccination status here.
To view a breakdown of COVID-19 cases by race and ethnicity, click this link. Click here to view the “Key Indicators” data dashboard.
Statewide, according to the state Department of Health (DOH), as of today:
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 680,127; the number of probable cases is 92,942, for a total of 773,069 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 9,257
- The total number of hospitalizations is 42,834
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, 1960
The latest news on the new Omicron variant
- The C.D.C. strengthened its booster recommendations as worries mount over the Omicron variant – The New York Times
- Scientists rapidly identified the Omicron variant. But firm answers about its impact could take weeks. – Stat News
- EXPLAINER: What we know and don't know about omicron variant – AP News
- Washington state virologists hunt specimens for omicron variant, confident they can spot it – The Seattle Times
- Omicron brings COVID-19 vaccine inequity 'home to roost' – AP News
- Scientists are studying whether Omicron leads to severe illness – The New York Times
- What’s known and unknown about Omicron, the coronavirus variant identified in South Africa – Stat News
- Omicron variant spreads to North America, Australia and more of Europe – NPR
- University of Washington scientist weighs in on spread of new coronavirus omicron variant – The Seattle Times
- WHO warns that new virus variant poses 'very high' global risk – AP News
Update on King County’s vaccine verification policy
 It’s now been almost a full month since King County began requiring customers age 12 and older to verify full COVID-19 vaccination status or a negative test to participate in large outdoor public events or indoor entertainment and recreational establishments, such as live music, performing arts, gyms, restaurants, and bars. On December 6, small restaurants and bars (those with seating for fewer than 12 customers) will also be required to comply with the policy. Read the full story here, from Public Health. You may also be interested in this news coverage:
- King County rolls out vaccine verification enforcement plan – KING 5 News
Options for verifying your vaccination status
The state Department of Health (DOH) last Tuesday officially launched WA Verify, the state’s new Digital COVID-19 Verification Record system. There are a few different ways to prove your vaccination status:
- A CDC vaccine card or photo of your vaccine card.
- Documented proof of vaccination from medical record or vaccine provider.
- Proof of vaccination from another state or county.
- Printed certificate or digital record from MyIRMobile.com or other apps.
- QR Code or digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record from WA Verify
For more information see King County’s vaccination verification webpage. You may also be interested in this article from KUOW: Easy-to-use digital vaccination verification launches in Washington state.
Ventilation and indoor air quality
 Photo by Daniel Hansen on Unsplash
With colder weather and a new variant potentially on the loose, it’s important to keep your air quality clean, especially when gathering indoors. Improving indoor air quality is one strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (but it’s also important we continue to wear masks and get vaccinated!). Learn more about improving ventilation and indoor air quality on this page.
Need transportation to vaccination? The vaccine transportation helpline can get you there!
 The King County COVID-19 Vaccine Mobility Task Force has been working to remove obstacles to vaccination. The task force has established a one-stop-shop Coordinated Vaccine Transportation Helpline to help people find transportation to vaccination sites. Hopelink’s Mobility Management staff operate the Helpline and connect people to flexible options that meet their needs. Many transportation options are free and can accommodate people with disabilities. Read the full story here from Public Health.
The pandemic’s toll on children’s mental health: Tomorrow at 9 a.m.
 As the pandemic continues, children and adolescents are in the grips of an urgent mental health situation described as a crisis by leading pediatric health groups. Join a discussion with an epidemiologist from Harvard’s School of Public Health to learn about actions that can be taken to support young people, particularly those already in communities disproportionately impacted by health disparities. The discussion takes place tomorrow at 9 a.m. PT (noon ET). Register here for free to join the discussion.
The County and Puget Sound
Council unanimously approves $672 million supplemental budget
 The King County Council on Tuesday approved a $672 million supplemental budget. The approved 2021 mid-biennial supplemental budget adds funding for climate equity projects, gun violence reduction, bus service restorations, tiny home villages, waterfront shuttle service, bike helmet awareness, economic recovery, and much more.
Thanks in large part to more promising revenue forecast figures, this budget proposal includes significant funding restorations to programs and services that were cut at the onset of the pandemic including the Mental Health and Drug Dependency Program and public transit services. Included in the budget was funding to continue the partnership between Metro Access and Solid Ground and some other social services organizations to use Access vans to deliver food directly to people in need. As a result, vans that are currently unused are being utilized to get people the food they need while allowing people to stay home and stay safe from the virus.
Councilmembers also approved funding for key programs, services and institutions that directly impact the residents of District Four, including:
- $500,000 to assist in bringing back the popular Free Waterfront Shuttle along Alaskan Way
- $250,000 to support the restoration and preservation of the only remaining steam ship in Puget Sound, the National Historic Landmark vessel S.S. VIRGINIA V
- $20,000 for continuing Solid Ground’s flexible rent assistance program
- $15,000 for Chill Seattle – a program that helps youth participants reach their full potential and see that there is a path out of their current circumstances through the recreation of snowboarding and other board sports
- $15,000 for Seattle Pride Hockey Association – a non-profit geared towards the growth of the sport of ice hockey through diversity and inclusion
- $5,000 for Recycle for Vets – an organization founded by veterans to remove trash from our planet by empowering veterans to clean our communities
The budget will be transformative for folks whose jobs are being restored, individuals who will be able to obtain shelter and permanent supportive housing, those living with mental illness and drug dependency or in need of opioid addiction services, and for families utilizing the Best Starts for Kids programs. And new climate equity projects will support those disproportionately impacted by climate change. You may also be interested in this news coverage:
- $672 million supplemental budget approved by King County Council – The Seattle Medium
- $672 million supplemental budget, funding climate projects, gun violence reduction and key service restorations approved by King County Council – Voice of the Valley
Last County districting committee meeting on Draft Map: Tomorrow at 2 p.m.
The King County Districting Committee is holding its final public hearing online tomorrow at 2 p.m. to solicit public comment on the final Draft Map of the new County Council districts.
The 2021 King County Districting Committee is responsible for redrawing King County Council Districts using 2020 Census data. By law, district boundaries must be realigned every 10 years to reflect changes in population distribution. This means that your current King County Council District and Councilmember may change. See the links above to view the final draft map and to learn more about providing input.
To join the meeting online tomorrow at 2 p.m.: Click the Zoom link here, and use the Meeting ID number 829 7746 8093 and the passcode 602770. To join by phone, call 253-215-8782 and use the same meeting ID number and passcode listed above.
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 30th at 9:30 a.m. – Mobility and Environment Committee -- Agenda: Briefing on potential benefits to King County infrastructure from federal infrastructure bill; discussion and possible action on Metro’s long range and strategic plans, on an agreement between the County and Eastrail partners, and on motions from the Growth Management Planning Council.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, December 1st at 9:30 a.m. – Committee of the Whole -- Agenda: Briefings on COVID and on 4Culture; discussion and possible action on a judicial vacancy, the County’s 2022 state legislative agenda, and an ordinance on hazard pay for grocery employees.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Former Councilmember Larry Gossett honored by the University of Washington
Our own former Councilmember Larry Gossett was honored by the UW, which awarded him the 2021 Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus award, recognizing his lifetime of service. Read the full story here: - From radical youth to senior statesman, Larry Gossett is an activist for us all - UW Magazine
Puget Sound population growth over last decade
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), in reviewing the new data from the 2020 Census, found that “The central Puget Sound region grew by 600,000 in the last 10 years. The population now stands at 4.3 million, up from 3.7 million in 2010. To put that in perspective, the region has added the equivalent of two Kitsap counties since the last census count.” View the PSRC’s latest Regional Population Trends document here.
American Indian and Alaska Native population growing in Puget Sound
PSRC also examined the Census data for information about the region’s residents who have American Indian and Alaska Native heritage. According to PSRC, about 3% of residents in the four-county region (King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties) identify with this group.
PSRC found that the number of Puget Sound residents claiming American Indian and Alaska Native heritage jumped 54% in the last decade. There were 142,400 people in the region who checked this box on the 2020 Census, up from 92,200 in 2010.
At the state level
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office is seeking your input
 The state’s Recreation and Conservation Office is updating its 2023 plan and needs input on how you use our state’s outdoor spaces. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Plan sets priorities for funding outdoor recreation and public lands conservation and should reflect the needs of all Washington residents. As we’ve seen during the past year, recreating on public lands has the power to bring people together and keep us healthy. More people than ever are enjoying public lands, parks, and recreation areas, and your input is needed. For more information and to take the survey see this page.
Snowpack and Washington water supplies now and in the future
 Photo and caption from DOE: “A sparse amount of snow is seen on Mount Adams in in this photo taken in August. Rapid snowmelt, due to an intense heatwave in early summer 2021, caused much of the Cascade Mountain snowpack to disappear.”
The state’s Department of Ecology is planning now for our low-to-no snow future. Read more here about the investments the agency is making to avert hardships predicted from a warming climate.
The public is invited to comment on regulatory actions addressing chemicals in consumer products
Consumers use hundreds of items every day, many of which contain chemicals that are hazardous to human health or the environment. The state Department of Ecology is seeking public input to determine which potentially hazardous chemicals it should regulate in consumer products. The 60-day comment period began November 17th and the public can provide feedback here.
The draft regulatory actions include restrictions on flame retardants, PCBs and other harmful chemicals that are used in carpets and rugs, leather and textile home furnishings, drink can linings, laundry detergents, beauty products and more. For details see this page.
In District Four and Seattle
Herons in Magnolia
A recent newsletter from Heron Helpers of Magnolia reminds us that the forest and thriving bird habitat we now see at Kiwanis Ravine Stevens in Magnolia was a “blank slate” when it was purchased for preservation by the City of Seattle in 2006. Read more about this site and other heron habitat in District Four at the link above.
A shout-out to activists in the Uptown neighborhood...
A big thanks to activists in the lower Queen Anne/Uptown neighborhood for working to get a ballot box located in the neighborhood. Led by resident Julia Reed, they created “Let Uptown Vote” and launched a petition drive. They contacted my office, and King County Elections is now evaluating the request to locate a ballot box in the neighborhood. If you have suggestions as to a specific location in Uptown, fill out this form.
Phinney Neighborhood Association winter festival and crafts fair
 This weekend, December 4th and 5th, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., join Phinney Neighborhood Association staff, volunteers and vendors for the 41st annual winter festival and crafts fair. There is a small charge to enter - - $2 for PNA members and $4 for non-members. See the link above for full details.
Christmas Ships and Bonfires at the Parks return: 2021 Schedule
An announcement from the City of Seattle’s Parks Department: The Argosy Christmas Ships are back! An annual Seattle tradition, the holiday cruises were sadly cancelled last year due to the pandemic. This year the festivities return in full glory: a parade of brightly lighted boats will cruise from Puget Sound to Lake Union and out to Lake Washington.
This year Seattle Parks and Recreation will add bonfires back into the mix at select Seattle parks. Community members can bring a warm drink in a thermos and gather around the fire to watch and even sing along to the choir with much needed holiday cheer. Dress warm, bring umbrellas just in case, and join with your community! This is sure to be an extra-special activity this year. For the full schedule of shoreline bonfires - and more on the Argosy ships - see this page.
DID YOU KNOW?
...that times do change, eventually? You may know that logging and mining were important industries in Washington state’s early days. On November 30, 1995, the Port Gamble sawmill closed, marking the end of the oldest continuously operating sawmill in the country. And on November 27, 2006, the last coal mine in Washington shut down near Centralia. Compiled from HistoryLink.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Protection offered by booster shot beats ‘natural immunity,’ study suggests – The Los Angeles Times
- New data, analyses take some of the shine off Merck’s COVID pill – Stat News
- I'm fully vaccinated and I also had COVID. Do I need a booster? – NPR
- My child is about to turn 12. Which COVID-19 vaccine should they get? - healthychildren.org/American Academy of Pediatrics
- Massive COVID outbreaks occurred at Seattle-area schools with lax protocols – KUOW
- Ordering in: Food delivery surged in the Seattle area as COVID-19 pandemic took hold - The Seattle Times
- Washington state’s pandemic recovery remains slow and uneven - The Seattle Times
- Patti Cole-Tindall to become King County interim sheriff; department workers, new hires could get bonuses up to $15K - The Seattle Times
- Supreme Court set to take up all-or-nothing abortion fight – AP News
- Two trials, one theme: White men taking law into their own hands – AP News
- Frustrated passengers leave stalled light-rail train near UW and walk through tunnel - The Seattle Times
- Washington state seeks tighter wastewater rules for Puget Sound, but sewage plant operators push back - The Seattle Times
- Around King County, community meals return with a lifeline of nutrition and good company - The Seattle Times
- In a move with potential funding consequences, King County won’t count homeless population this year - PubliCola
- Seattle approves expanded programs for people living in RVs – KOMO News
- Merriam-Webster chooses "vaccine" as the 2021 word of the year - The Seattle Times
- King County jails in ‘crisis mode’ with understaffing, mandatory overtime – KING 5 News
- Time runs out on harmful Native American names and mascots in WA schools – KUOW
- Infrastructure legislation could open doors to women in building trades – Crosscut
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Photo by Alan Berner, The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times tells the story of a teenage sea turtle, severely weakened and underweight, that had been blown off course by storms. Usually found in warmer waters off Mexico, the turtle’s body temperature had plummeted when it was found stranded on the Washington coast by a Makah tribal member.
Following heroic efforts that included a private charter plane and help from the non-profit rescue organization SR3, the turtle – now named Shi Shi – arrived at the Seattle Aquarium on November 17th. The turtle has been under constant care since that time, and it was more than a week before the staff dared to give her a name. It is well worth reading the full article and viewing the photos and video of Shi Shi, who is now apparently making a remarkable recovery.
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out on Mondays and Thursdays. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. And you can click here to visit the archive page where you can find all of my previous enews updates.
|
